What are the reasons for the Bora's instrument panel not lighting up and failing to start?
3 Answers
Bora's instrument panel not lighting up and failing to start may be due to the following reasons: Battery failure: Issues with the battery. For example, the battery may have reached the end of its lifespan, or the battery terminals may be loose, resulting in poor contact, or the terminals may be oxidized. Starter fuse failure: The starter fuse may be broken. Instrument panel failure: If all the indicator lights on the instrument panel are not lighting up and the engine shuts off immediately after starting, it is highly likely that there is an issue with the instrument panel. A common cause is damage to the instrument CPU. Solutions for the Bora's instrument panel not lighting up and failing to start are as follows: First, check if the horn sounds: You can press the horn to see if it sounds. If the horn sounds loud, the battery is fine; if the horn does not sound or the sound is very weak, it indicates that the battery is low on charge. Charge the battery: If turning the key produces no sound at all, it can basically be determined that the battery has completely discharged.
I've driven similar cars before. If the dashboard goes black and there's no response when trying to start, it's most likely a dead battery. You'll notice that when you turn the key, the lights don't come on, and the starter makes no sound at all. Simply use your phone's flashlight to check the battery terminals for looseness or any greenish corrosion. You can tighten the terminal screws yourself, and if they're dirty, clean them with a baking soda solution. If the battery is several years old and severely aged, even charging won't help. I once faced this situation and tried jump-starting with a neighbor's car—if it starts, then it's definitely a battery issue. Otherwise, it could be a blown fuse, especially in models like the Volkswagen Bora. Check the main fuse in the engine compartment fuse box, like number F43 or similar. In any case, don't push your luck—it affects driving safety. Get it fixed or call for a tow truck immediately.
I've dealt with quite a few similar failures where the dashboard lights don't come on and the car won't start - it's most likely an electrical system issue. First check if the battery has voltage depletion or poor terminal contact, and use a voltmeter to test the output. If both the dashboard and starting system completely fail, it's highly probable that a fuse has blown. The Bora's fuse box is located under the driver's seat (the manual has a location diagram) - try finding and replacing the relevant 20A fuse. A faulty relay coil could also cause a short circuit leading to power loss. Additionally, oxidized contacts in the ignition switch can cause complete vehicle power failure. When encountering this, don't panic - check if the car lights or other electrical devices can operate. If not, don't struggle with it - call a professional mechanic to diagnose the circuit.
